Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus Affordable Tesla Performance

New Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus 2020 review

The boot lid is now electrically operated. While the volume is on a par with manyrivals, the opening is small - though the Model 3 looks like a hatchback, it isnt. The front boot, meanwhile, has shrunken slightly. This is because some of the space has now been occupied by a new feature to the Model 3: a heat pump.

First used by Tesla on its Model Y, a heat pump takes the place of the previous resistive heater. Put simply, the new system works a little like a fridge, compressing a fluid which generates heat. This heat can then be used to warm the cabin or, by reducing the fluids pressure further along the system, produce a colder flow of air instead. The main plus point of a heat pump is that its more efficient than the resistive heater to warm the cabin, which reduces the range impact when trying to keep toasty in colder climates.

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Along with some subtle software tweaks, the new heating system means that range has improved slightly across all of the Model 3 variants. In the case of this entry level SR +, the resulting 267 mile figure is 13 more than before. In our experience the real-world figures came close, if not completely matching that number, even on a day when temperatures barely made it above freezing.

Unlike the top end Performance versions, the Standard Range Plus makes do with just one electric motor driving the rear wheels. While the drop in acceleration is noticeable compared to the twin motor setup, the Model 3 is still, put simply, a fast executive saloon.

2024 Tesla Model 3

Overview

With a sleek new look, an attractive estimated driving range, and an accessible price tag, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 remains a compelling choice for new car buyers who want to go green. The electric sedan changed the rules of the game when it debuted for the 2017 model year, as it brought EV pricing down far enough to fit into the budgets of a broader swath of U.S. households. It's not perfect though; the Model 3 has suffered from poor fit-and-finish from the outset, its cabin is snug, and its standard equipment list is missing desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Model 3 also lacks physical controls for almost all functions. Aside from a steering wheel, pedals, and window switches, there are few buttons; to do simple things such as adjust the exterior mirrors or steering column you must interact with the large infotainment display on the dashboard. Unfortunately for Tesla, a rash of rivals have launched an assault into its territory, and they're making headway: the BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2 all provide similar packages at similar prices with fewer compromises.

What's New for 2024?

The Model 3 has received a welcome styling refresh for 2024, complete with a sleeker front end, a quieter cabin, and updated standard features. While the changes to the Model 3's styling are small, they make a big impact, and the car looks fresher and more upscale than before. The interior receives updated materials that are said to be of better quality; Tesla also claims to have used more sound-deadening materials and installed more acoustic glass to help drown out road noise. The steering wheel has been redesigned and the steering column sheds blinker and transmission-shifter stalks, while the seats wear a new perforated upholstery and support ventilation for front-seat riders. Rear seat passengers are now treated to their own 8.0-inch display with which to adjust climate controls or even watch Netflix.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The base trim level comes with just one motor driving the rear wheels, but all others have two motors and all-wheel drive. The base rear-wheel-drive model is a good value, but its 272 miles of EPA-estimated driving range may not be enough to eliminate range anxiety for some drivers. We'd recommend the Long Range model that offers an estimated 341 miles of driving per charge. All Model 3s come standard with heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and Tesla's Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

As with most EVs, the Model 3 gains speed quickly, smoothly, and almost silently, with the electric motor providing a strong punch from a stop. And it's fastextremely so in some trims. Like all Teslas, the Model 3 carries its battery under the floor, resulting in a low center of gravity. This helps it change direction crisply and feel planted and stable in corners. The steering is accurate and well-weighted, with three different settings that adjust the level of steering effort. The ride is firm without being harsh; without the noise of a gas-powered engine, however, you do hear plenty of road noise inside the cabin as the tires thwack and thrum over pavement imperfections.

060-MPH Times

The 60 mph time for the Model 3 Long Range in our test was 4.1 seconds while the Model 3 Performance reached 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. We have not tested the entry-level Model 3, which comes with a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, but it is expected to be a bit slower than the all-wheel drive Long Range model.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Three distinct Model 3 trims are offered, each with a different estimated driving range. The base rear-wheel-drive model is the most affordable, with a claimed range of 272 miles. Upgrading to the Long Range model increases the Model 3's estimated range to 341 miles. (If you opt for the extra-cost 19-inch wheels, the estimated range numbers are lower.) Of course, this distance isn't easy to achieve, as we found in our long-term Long Range Model 3 test vehicle. The Model 3 offers several different options for charging: Tesla's network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers, adapters for DC public-charging stations, 240- and 120-volt outlets, and a home-charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The various versions of the Model 3 are rated between 113 MPGe and 138 MPGe by the EPA. Our test vehicle, however, managed only 84 MPGe when we took it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. The Model 3 comes standard with aluminum wheels that are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. We wanted to know how much impact those hubcaps have on the car's driving range, so we tested it and were surprised to find that they helped more than expected. For more information about the Model 3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

We're not exaggerating when we say that the Tesla Model 3 has an interior unlike any other car on the market today. It's shockingly simple inside, with nearly everything controlled by the monolithic touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Buttons on the steering wheel control things like the exterior side view mirrors, the position of the steering column, and even the turn signalsand we wish those controls were of the conventional design instead. The Tesla's low, flat floor makes for a spacious and airy feel inside. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, but the rear seats are positioned low and are cramped and uncomfortable; don't expect adults to be able to spend long periods of time in them. Folding the 60/40 split-folding rear seats is simple and expands the trunk space considerably. The Model 3's seatbacks fold flat, too, providing an uninterrupted cargo floor for hauling larger items. With the rear seats folded, the Model 3 provides enough room for 15 carry-on suitcases. There are also generously sized bins and cubbies throughout the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity are standard, but the Model 3 is, oddly, not available with AM radio or SiriusXM satellite radio. Several internet-streaming radio options are standard. It also can't be equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. To make charging-station layovers more bearable, the Model 3 offers plenty of entertainment options on its central display, including Netflix, YouTube, and a host of arcade games. Mounted to the rear of the center console is an 8.0-inch touchscreen that provides rear-seat passengers access to climate control and infotainment features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although we question whether the name Autopilot is misleading, the driver-assist system has one of the best feature sets in the industry, with smooth operation and impressive capabilities such as automatic lane changes. For more information about the Model 3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Tesla's overall warranty coverage is among the longest in the EV segment, but it's disappointing that the coverage doesn't include corrosion protection. The Long Range model includes an additional 20,000 miles on the coverage period of its battery and drive components.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2019 Tesla Model 3 Long RangeVehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICEBase/As Tested: $49,690/$57,690

POWERTRAINFront: induction AC motor, 184 hp, 177 lb-ft; Rear: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, 241 hp, 298 lb-ft; 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery packTransmission: 1-speed direct drive

CHASSISSuspension, F/R: multilink/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/13.2-in vented discTires: Michelin Primacy MXM4 235/45R-18 98W M+S T0

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 113.2 inLength: 184.8 inWidth: 72.8 inHeight: 56.8 inPassenger Volume: 97 ft³Cargo Volume: 15 ft³Curb Weight: 4038 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 4.1 sec100 mph: 9.7 sec1/4-Mile: 12.6 sec @ 112 mph130 mph: 18.1 secResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.Rolling Start, 560 mph: 4.2 secTop Gear, 3050 mph: 1.6 secTop Gear, 5070 mph: 2.1 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 145 mph Braking, 700 mph: 172 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g

C/DFUEL ECONOMYObserved: 85 MPGe

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 116/120/112 MPGeRange: 310 miles

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

2019 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Performance

VEHICLE TYPEfront- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED$66,190 (base price: $58,190)

POWERTRAIN F: induction AC motor, R: permanent-magnet synchronous AC motorCombined Power (C/D est): 470 hp Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 75.0 kWh

TRANSMISSIONSdirect-drive

CHASSISSuspension (F/R): multilink/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 14.0-in vented disc/13.2-in vented discTires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 235/35R-20 92Y Extra Load T0

DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 113.2 inLength: 184.8 inWidth: 72.8 in Height: 56.8 inPassenger volume: 97 ft³ Trunk volume: 15 ft³Curb weight: 4072 lb

C/DTEST RESULTS60 mph: 3.1 sec100 mph: 8.2 sec1/4 mile: 11.6 sec @ 115 mph 130 mph: 16.2 secResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.Rolling start, 560 mph: 3.3 secTop gear, 3050 mph: 1.1 secTop gear, 5070 mph: 1.7 secTop speed (mfr's claim): 162 mph Braking, 700 mph: 147 ftRoadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.96 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY75-mph highway driving: 94 MPGe Highway range: 220 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/city/highway: 116/120/112 MPGeRange: 310 miles

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